When looking for a new bathroom sink faucet, one of the most important measurements you want to know is the faucet center. Measuring the spout height and spout range will also help you find a vanity faucet that fits your bathroom needs and the space you have.

1. Measure the center of the faucet

The faucet center is the distance (in inches) between the pre-drilled faucet holes. Measuring hole spacing or faucet centering ensures you get the correct size faucet (or deck) for your installation area.

To get an accurate faucet center, simply measure the distance between the outermost faucet holes. In other words, measure from the center point of the leftmost hole to the center point of the rightmost hole. Most faucets have a center range of 4 to 16 inches, widely available faucets typically measure 6 to 8 inches, and center unit faucets measure 4 inches.

If your sink or vanity only has one pre-drilled faucet hole, then you will need a single-hole faucet with a handle. If you have a 4" faucet center but want a single hole vanity faucet, you can install an escutcheon plate to hide the extra pre-drilled holes.

2. Measure the height of the spout

spout height

The next major measurement you want to consider is the spout height of the faucet. Check the vertical distance between the mounting surface and any cabinets or mirrors above the bathroom sink to make sure your new faucet isn't creating any obstructions. This will help you determine the proper spout height for your faucet to match your surroundings. For example, if you have a medicine cabinet that opens right above the sink, a tall arc faucet won't work well.

You'll also want to make sure your nozzle isn't so high that water splashes around, or so low that you don't have room to wash your hands. A general rule of thumb is to keep your water outlet 6 inches from the bottom of the sink.

For container sinks, measure from the counter to the top of the container sink. If not two inches, add at least an inch to the spout height to ensure the container tap will fit.

3. Measure the nozzle range

spout arrives

Measure from the installation point to the middle of the sink to find the ideal spout range, which is how far the spout extends from the base of the faucet. If you're washing your hands, you don't want them hitting the back of the sink, and you don't want the water hitting the front edge of the sink if it's coming out of the spout at an angle.

We recommend using a faucet that extends between a quarter and half of the sink so that the flow reaches the middle of the sink, if not near the drain.

Yuhuan Difeng Brass-Plastics Industry Co., Ltd. is a Chinese Brass Bath Faucets manufacturer, the company specializes in Thermostatic Shower Faucets and other products.